O'Connor, Roy J.(1894-1918)

OCONNOR

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 2/28/2008 at 13:24:40

Jackson Sentinel
June 7, 1921

Full Military Honors Accorded Dead World War Hero

The funeral of Roy J. O’Connor, who gave his life for his country just a few days before the awful conflict ceased, in 1918, was held from the Sacred Heart Catholic church Monday morning at 10:00 o’clock, Rev. Father Walsh, assisted by Rev. Father Craney officiating.

The American Legion in uniform met the cortege as it reached the city limits from the O’Connor home near Garry Owen, and escorted the flag draped casket to the church and at the grave full military honors were accorded. Flags at half mast were noticeable in the business district of the city, and every mark of respect was shown the hero who had given his life that liberty might live.

Obituary

Roy J. O’Connor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike O’Connor of Farmers Creek twp., Jackson Co., was born October 1, 1894, and died October 25, 1918, aged 24 years and 24 days, Besides his parents he is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Imogene Kendall and Mrs. Edna McDonald of Maquoketa, Mrs. Matie Noonan of Bernard and Christeana at home, one brother, Wincel, and an aged grandmother, Mrs. P. C. Borggard.

Roy was a member of the Catholic church, having joined the church at Garry Owen shortly before his call to the colors in 1918. He leaves a host of friends and was beloved and esteemed by all with whom he came in contact.

Answering his country’s call three years ago, Roy was inducted into Company A, 313th Engineers, 88th Division, at Camp Dodge, and went to France with that organization. He died at the French-American hospital at Hericourt, near Belfort, in France, a victim of bronchial pneumonia, laying down his life for patriotism as truly as might a solider killed on the field of battle. His body has rested in the American military graveyard at Herecourt until recently, when the remains were transferred to Maquoketa to lie in the soil of America for which he had made the supreme sacrifice.